History of Washington, D.C. in Timeline

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a federal district located on the Potomac River, bordering Maryland and Virginia. Named after George Washington and personified as Columbia, it serves as the nation's political center.

1901: McMillan Plan Finalized

In 1901, the McMillan Plan was finalized, aiming to beautify Washington's ceremonial core through landscaping and slum clearing.

1908: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Built

In 1908, the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, a synagogue located in the Chinatown section of the city, was built.

1910: Height of Buildings Act

In 1910, the federal Height of Buildings Act was established, limiting building height based on the width of adjacent streets.

August 6, 1918: Highest Recorded Temperature

On August 6, 1918, Washington, D.C., recorded its highest temperature of 106 °F (41 °C).

1922: Largest Snowstorm

From January 27 to 28, 1922, Washington, D.C., officially received 28 inches of snowfall, marking the largest snowstorm since official measurements began in 1885.

1925: United States Navy Band Headquarters

Founded in 1925, the United States Navy Band has its headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard.

July 20, 1930: Highest Recorded Temperature

On July 20, 1930, Washington, D.C., recorded its highest temperature of 106 °F (41 °C).

1935: Supreme Court Building Completion

The United States Supreme Court Building was completed in 1935.

1938: Adoption of the Flag of Washington, D.C.

In 1938, the flag of Washington, D.C., which is a variation on George Washington's family coat of arms, was adopted.

1940: African American Population

Between 1800 and 1940, African American residents composed about 30% of Washington, D.C.'s total population.

1950: Peak Population

By 1950, the district's population reached its peak of 802,178 residents.

1950: Arena Stage Founded

Founded in 1950, Arena Stage achieved national attention and spurred growth in Washington D.C.'s independent theater movement.

1957: Islamic Center of Washington Opened

In 1957, the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., which was the largest mosque in the Western Hemisphere, opened.

1958: Ben's Chili Bowl Founded

In 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl was founded on U Street.

1961: Presidential Voting Rights Granted by 23rd Amendment

In 1961, the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting the people of Washington, D.C., the right to vote for the president by giving them Electoral College votes equal to what they would have if they were a state, but no more than the least populous state (three votes).

1961: Twenty-Third Amendment Ratified

In 1961, the Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting the district three votes in the Electoral College.

1961: Lowest Murder Count Until 2012

The murder count in Washington D.C. in 1961 was the lowest count before the historic low of 88 murders in 2012.

1964: Construction of the Capital Beltway

In 1964, the Capital Beltway, Washington, D.C.'s highway loop, was constructed, leading to the idiom "Inside the Beltway" being used to describe national political discussions within the area.

1964: Electoral Votes Granted

Washington, D.C., has voted for Democratic presidential candidates consistently since it was granted electoral votes in the 1964 presidential election.

April 4, 1968: Riots Following Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination

On April 4, 1968, riots broke out in Washington, D.C., following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., lasting three days and causing significant damage until federal troops and National Guardsmen intervened.

1968: Ben's Chili Bowl during Riots

During the violent 1968 race riots in Washington D.C., Ben's Chili Bowl rose to prominence as a peaceful escape.

1970: Peak Black Population

By 1970, the black population in Washington, D.C., reached a peak of 70%.

1973: District of Columbia Home Rule Act

In 1973, Congress enacted the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, providing for an elected mayor and 13-member council for the district.

1973: Home Rule

In 1973, a locally elected mayor and 13-member council began governing the district, though Congress retains the power to overturn local laws.

1975: First Elected Black Mayor

In 1975, Walter Washington became the district's first elected and first black mayor.

March 27, 1976: Opening of the Washington Metro

On March 27, 1976, the Washington Metro, the city's rapid transit rail system, opened, serving Washington, D.C., and its Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs.

1976: Handgun Ban

In 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States held in District of Columbia v. Heller that the city's 1976 handgun ban violated the right to keep and bear arms as protected under the Second Amendment.

1976: GALA Hispanic Theatre Founded

The GALA Hispanic Theatre was founded in 1976.

1976: Marine Corps Marathon Began

The Marine Corps Marathon began in 1976.

1978: Passage of the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment

In 1978, the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment was passed, which would have granted Washington, D.C., Congressional representation.

1986: Expiration of the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment

In 1986, the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment expired without being ratified into law.

1989: Washington D.C. labeled "the worst city government in America"

In 1989, during Marion Barry's term as mayor, Washington Monthly magazine labeled Washington, D.C. "the worst city government in America".

1990: Largest Religious Group

In 1990, Black Protestants were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

1991: Peak Murders in D.C.

In 1991, the number of murders in Washington D.C. peaked at 479, leading to the city being described as the "murder capital" of the United States during the early 1990s.

1995: Creation of the District of Columbia Financial Control Board

In 1995, at the start of Marion Barry's fourth term as mayor, Congress created the District of Columbia Financial Control Board to oversee all municipal spending.

1998: Election of Mayor Anthony Williams

In 1998, Anthony Williams won the election for mayor of Washington, D.C., and oversaw a period of urban renewal and budget surpluses.

2000: Gentrification and Population Changes

Between 2000 and 2010, Washington, D.C., experienced a 31.4% increase in the non-Hispanic white population and an 11.5% decrease in the black population, partly due to gentrification.

2000: Largest Religious Group

In 2000, Catholics were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

2000: Population Growth Since 2000

Since 2000, Washington D.C. has seen population growth, following a half-century of population decline.

2001: District Regains Control Over Finances

In 2001, the district regained control over its finances, leading to the suspension of the oversight board's operations.

2005: Poverty Level

In 2005, 19% of Washington D.C. residents were below the poverty level, higher than any state except Mississippi.

2005: Poll Reveals Lack of Awareness About D.C. Representation

In 2005, a poll found that 78% of Americans were unaware that residents of Washington, D.C., have less representation in Congress compared to residents of the 50 states.

2006: College Degrees

In 2006, half of Washington D.C. residents had at least a four-year college degree.

2007: Increase in Enrollment in Public Charter Schools

By 2007, enrollment in public charter schools in Washington, D.C., had steadily increased due to perceived problems with the traditional public school system.

2007: Illiteracy Rate

In 2007, approximately one-third of Washington, D.C. residents were functionally illiterate, surpassing the national rate of about one-fifth.

2007: AIA Ranking of Buildings

In 2007, six of the top ten buildings in the American Institute of Architects' ranking of America's Favorite Architecture were located in Washington, D.C., including the White House and United States Capitol.

2008: Private School Enrollment

In 2008, the 92 private schools in Washington, D.C., enrolled approximately 18,000 students.

2008: SmartBike DC Pilot Program

In 2008, the SmartBike DC pilot program had begun in Washington, D.C.

2008: Supreme Court Ruling on Handgun Ban

2008: Nationals Park Opened

Nationals Park opened in 2008.

2009: HIV/AIDS Report

A 2009 report found that at least three percent of Washington, D.C., residents have HIV or AIDS.

2009: GDP Per Capita Ranking

Between 2009 and 2016, gross domestic product per capita in Washington, D.C., consistently ranked at the very top among U.S. states.

2009: Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

In 2009, legislation authorizing same-sex marriage was passed in Washington, D.C.

2009: End of DCPS Student Population Decline

In 2009, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) saw the end of a 39-year period of steadily decreasing student numbers.

March 2010: Issuance of Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples

In March 2010, Washington, D.C., began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

2010: Washington Area Traffic Congestion

According to a 2010 study, Washington-area commuters spent 70 hours a year in traffic delays, tying with Chicago for the nation's worst road congestion; however, 37% of Washington-area commuters used public transportation to work.

2010: Arena Stage Reopened

Arena Stage reopened after a renovation and expansion in Washington D.C.'s emerging Southwest waterfront area in 2010.

2010: Charter School Enrollment Increase

As of 2010, charter schools in Washington, D.C., had a total enrollment of about 32,000, a 9% increase from the previous year.

2010: Health Insurance Coverage

As of 2010, more than 90% of Washington, D.C., residents had health insurance coverage, the second-highest rate in the nation.

2010: U.S. Census

As of the 2010 United States census, the population in Washington, D.C. increased by more than 100,000 people.

2010: Gentrification and Population Changes

Between 2000 and 2010, Washington, D.C., experienced a 31.4% increase in the non-Hispanic white population and an 11.5% decrease in the black population, partly due to gentrification.

2010: Largest Religious Group

In 2010, Mainline Protestants were the largest religious group in Washington, D.C.

2010: Capital Bikeshare Program Started

In 2010, the Capital Bikeshare program started in Washington, D.C.

2010: Violent Crime Per-Capita Levels

In 2024, violent crimes per-capita in Washington D.C. reached their lowest levels since 2010.

2010: DCPS Student Enrollment

In the 2010-11 school year, 46,191 students were enrolled in the Washington, D.C. public school system (DCPS).

2011: Large Companies

According to statistics compiled in 2011, four of the largest 500 companies in the country were based in Washington, D.C.

2011: Metropolitan Economy

As of 2011, the Washington metropolitan area was the nation's eighth-largest metropolitan economy.

2011: Union Station Became Primary Intercity Bus Transit Center

Following renovations in 2011, Union Station in Washington, D.C., became the city's primary intercity bus transit center.

2011: Primary Language

In 2011, 85% of D.C. residents age 5 and older spoke English at home as a primary language.

2011: Washington Post Readership

In 2011, The Washington Post had the sixth-highest readership of all news dailies in the United States.

July 7, 2012: High Temperature Recorded

On July 7, 2012, Washington, D.C. recorded a high temperature of 105 °F (41 °C).

2012: Spending on Homeless Families Hotels

During the winter of 2012, the city spent $2,544,454 on putting homeless families in hotels.

2012: Historic Low in Murders

In 2012, Washington D.C. reached a historic low of 88 murders, the lowest total since 1961.

2012: Tourism Impact

In 2012, some 18.9 million visitors contributed an estimated $4.8 billion to the Washington D.C. local economy.

2012: D.C. Residents' Federal Tax Contribution

In the financial year 2012, residents and businesses of Washington, D.C. paid $20.7 billion in federal taxes, which was more than the taxes collected from 19 states and the highest federal taxes per capita.

2013: Unprosecuted Cases

By October 2023, the rate of unprosecuted cases in D.C. was almost twice of what it was in 2013, after months of criticism of high prosecution rates.

2013: Shelter Law

In 2013, Washington, D.C., passed a law requiring shelter for everyone in need when the temperature drops below freezing.

2013: Smithsonian Visits

In 2013, the Smithsonian's locations in Washington D.C. had a combined total of 30 million visits.

2013: Commuting Habits in the Washington Metropolitan Area

In 2013, the Washington metropolitan area had the eighth-lowest percentage of workers who commuted by private automobile (75.7 percent), with 8 percent of area workers traveling via rail transit.

2014: Corcoran College absorbed into George Washington University

In 2014, The Corcoran College of Art and Design, the oldest art school in the capital, was absorbed into the George Washington University.

2015: Increase in Bike Lanes

By May 2022, the bike lane network had increased by 60 percent from 2015.

2015: Washington, D.C. joins UNPO

In 2015, Washington, D.C. became a member state of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).

2015: Homicides decreased from 2015

In 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. tallied 135 homicides, a 17% decrease from 2015.

2016: Washington Metropolitan Area Size

As of 2016, the Washington metropolitan area was estimated to have six million residents.

2016: Sale of El Tiempo Latino

In 2016, The Washington Post sold its Spanish-language newspaper, El Tiempo Latino, to El Planeta Media.

2016: GDP Per Capita

In 2016, Washington D.C.'s GDP per capita was $160,472, almost three times greater than that of Massachusetts.

2016: Reintroduction of Streetcar Line

In 2016, Washington, D.C., brought back a streetcar line, the DC Streetcar, which runs along H Street and Benning Road.

2016: Referendum on D.C. Statehood

In 2016, a referendum on D.C. statehood resulted in 85% support among Washington, D.C., voters.

2016: Homicides Tallied in D.C.

In 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. tallied 135 homicides, a 53% increase from 2012 but a 17% decrease from 2015.

January 2017: Trump's Inauguration Costs the City Millions

In January 2017, Donald Trump's inauguration cost Washington, D.C., $27 million, of which $7 million was never repaid to the city's Emergency Planning and Security Fund.

March 2017: Statehood Bill Introduced

In March 2017, the city's congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced a bill for D.C. statehood.

2017: Underground Power Line Project Approved

In 2017, the D.C. Public Service Commission approved a seven-year, $500 million plan to bury more power lines underground.

2017: Median Household Income

In 2017, the median household income in D.C. was $77,649; D.C. residents also had a personal income per capita of $50,832, higher than any of the 50 states.

2018: Report on Ex-Convict Residents

According to a 2018 report, 67,000 residents in Washington D.C., or about 10% of the population, are ex-convicts.

2018: D.C. area airport system traffic

In 2018, the Washington, D.C. area was the 18th-busiest airport system in the world by passenger traffic, accumulating over 74 million passengers between its three main commercial airports.

July 2019: Population Estimate

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that as of July 2019, the district's population was 705,749.

2019: Most Popular Sports Team

As of 2019, The Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball are the most popular sports team in the District.

2019: Underground Power Line Project Construction Begins

Construction started in 2019 on the seven-year, $500 million plan to bury more power lines underground, which was approved in 2017.

2019: Trump's "A Salute to America" Independence Day Event

In 2019, Donald Trump's Independence Day event, "A Salute to America", cost Washington, D.C. six times more than Independence Day events in past years.

2019: Tourism Spending

In 2019, Washington D.C. saw 24.6 million tourists, including 1.8 million from foreign countries, who collectively spent $8.15 billion during their stay.

2019: Median Household Income

In 2019, Washington, D.C., had the highest median household income in the U.S. at $92,266.

2019: Washington, D.C., Admission Act Reintroduced

In 2019, the Washington, D.C., Admission Act was reintroduced.

2019: Poverty Rate

In 2019, the poverty rate in Washington D.C. stood at 14.7%.

2020: Population Demographics

According to 2020 Census Bureau data, Washington, D.C.'s population was 41.4% Black or African American and 39.6% White.

2020: Think Tank Center

As of 2020, 8% of the country's think tanks are based in Washington, D.C., including many of the largest and most widely cited.

2020: Religious Adherence

As of 2020, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, 56% of Washington D.C.'s residents were adherents of a religious body.

2020: 2020 Census

As of the 2020 census, the population of Washington, D.C., was 689,545.

2020: Washington-Baltimore Combined Statistical Area Population

In 2020, the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area had a population exceeding 9.8 million residents.

April 2021: Washington, D.C., Admission Act Passed

In April 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Washington, D.C., Admission Act.

2021: Washington, D.C. Ranked as Fifth-Most Walkable City

In 2021, Walk Score ranked Washington, D.C., as the fifth-most walkable city in the country.

2021: Bill Introduced to Congress for Retroceding the District to Maryland

In 2021, a bill was introduced to Congress for retroceding Washington, D.C., to Maryland, with the intention of providing residents with normal representation as part of a state.

2021: Statehood Bill Proposal

In 2021, a statehood bill for Washington D.C. was proposed to Congress. It suggested shrinking the federal district to an area roughly the size of the National Mall.

2021: Statehood Bill Passed in House

In 2021, a statehood bill for Washington, D.C., passed the House of Representatives but was not adopted by the U.S. Senate.

May 2022: Expansion of the Bike Lane Network

In May 2022, Washington, D.C., celebrated the expansion of its bike lane network to 104 miles (167 km), a 60 percent increase from 2015, including 24 miles (39 km) of protected bike lanes and 62 miles (100 km) of bike trails.

July 2022: Federal Government Employment

As of July 2022, 25% of people employed in Washington, D.C., were employed by the federal government.

2022: Homeless Population

According to Department of Housing and Development's Annual Homeless Assessment Report, in 2022, there were an estimated 4,410 homeless people in Washington, D.C.

2022: Top Employers

According to the District's comprehensive annual financial reports, the top employers by number of employees in 2022 included Georgetown University, Children's National Medical Center, Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University, American University, Georgetown University Hospital, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Insperity PEO Services, Universal Protection Service, Howard University, Medstar Medical Group, George Washington University Hospital, Catholic University of America, and Sibley Memorial Hospital.

2022: D.C. area airport system traffic

By 2022, the Washington, D.C. airport system had climbed to 13th-busiest for passenger traffic, even though passenger numbers decreased to less than 69 million.

2022: Criticism of Prosecution Rates

In 2022, many D.C. residents began to press the city government for refusing to prosecute nearly 70% of arrested offenders.

2022: Most Visited Museums

In 2022, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art were the two most visited museums in the United States.

January 2023: Statehood Bill Introduced Again

In January 2023, the statehood bill was introduced again.

March 2023: Bike Lane Mileage

As of March 2023, Washington, D.C. had 108 miles (174 km) of bike lanes, with 30 miles (48 km) of them protected bike lanes.

October 2023: Drop in Unprosecuted Cases

By October 2023, the rate of unprosecuted cases in D.C. dropped to 56%, after months of criticism of high prosecution rates.

2023: Public Parks Ranking

According to the Trust for Public Land, in 2023 Washington ranked first among the 100 largest U.S. cities for its public parks.

2023: Washington Union Station Ranking

As of 2023, Washington Union Station is the ninth-busiest rail station in the nation and tenth-busiest in North America.

2023: Washington Metropolitan Area Population

In 2023, the Washington metropolitan area had a population of 6.3 million residents.

2023: Global Financial Centres Index

In the 2023 Global Financial Centres Index, Washington, D.C. was ranked as having the 8th most competitive financial center in the world, and fourth most competitive in the United States.

2023: Spike in violent crime

Violent crime per-capita increased in 2023 in Washington D.C., when the city recorded 274 homicides, a 20-year high.

February 2024: Bill Passed to Reduce Crime

In February 2024, the Council of the District of Columbia passed a major bill meant to reduce crime in the city by introducing harsher penalties for arrested offenders.

February 2024: Capital Bikeshare Program Statistics

As of February 2024, the Capital Bikeshare program in Washington, D.C. had 6,372 bicycles and 395 stations.

2024: Michelin Guide Restaurants

As of 2024, 25 restaurants have received stars in the D.C. Michelin Guide, representing the most starred restaurants per capita for any U.S. city.

2024: Lowest Violent Crime Per-Capita

In 2024, violent crimes per-capita in Washington D.C. reached their lowest levels since 2010.

December 31, 2024: Closure of the DC Circulator Bus System

The DC Circulator bus system in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to close on December 31, 2024. The DC Circulator costed $1 to ride and was composed of six distinct routes that covered central D.C. and suburban Rosslyn, Virginia.

August 11, 2025: Federal Control of Metropolitan Police Department

On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump switched control of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia to the federal government.

August 2025: Decrease in Crime Statistics

As of August 2025, police statistics in Washington D.C. had so far recorded a 7% decrease in overall crime year-over-year, and a 26% decrease in violent crime.